Excellent Seasonal Cusine in... Ottawa?!

John Taylor At domus cafe
87 Murray Street, Byward Market Ottawa, Ontario (613) 241-6007

Previous attempts at finding a decent restaurant in the Ottawa market area (not including bagels) have been a complete failure, and the last time I was in town, I just gave up and just went to the Keg.

However, on a recent visit weekend visit to our nation's capital city, this sad losing streak was broken when we visited the small and trendy At domus cafe, which specializes in the use of fresh regional ingredients. I liked that we could watch the chef and his assistant working in the small and open kitchen at the back of the restaurant, and the service was efficient and professional - but not snobby (we showed up dressed in jeans).

For appetizers, we had two orders of the "Chaud Froid" of Quebec Foie Gras ($20). In terms of both quality and quantity, this dish scored top marks. The hot portion of this duck liver dish was seared perfectly, and served with a fried quails egg. The cold piece was served with house chutneys and reductions, and Melba toast. The contrast and variance within this dish was very original. My sister ordered the Canadian "Taste" Plate ($18), which consisted of a seared Atlantic sea scallop, warm smoked trout, and spicy crab maki roll. It was good, but the scallop was on the small side. The trout was most flavourful, almost melting in my mouth, and the roll was above average.

For the main course, I had the Black Pepper and Smoked Paprika Black Angus Beef Tenderloin. ($38), served with Yukon Mash, and Roasted Portobella Mushroom. Overall, the dish was simple, and fulfilling. It was served as requested, medium rare, and was nicely presented in five, 1/2 inch pieces. The potatoes were creamy, and vegtables were not over cooked, which is a good thing. I ate it all, and would order it again. My sister had the "Crispy" skin slow roasted mariposa farm duck breast ($36) - she was happy, and I had a taste... very tender, and satisfying.

Wine list was extensive, but not over priced... my only regret is that we didn't leave any room for dessert!

Since the ingredients used by the restaurant change regularly, the menu changes as well. At the end of our meal, I asked for a copy of our dinner menu, and our waitress was kind enough to provide one! At domus cafe is worth a visit if you are in Ottawa and looking for a good meal.